The 5 Classifications of Psychedelics: A Definitive List
Not all psychedelic medicines are created equal. There’s actually a whole bundle of organic and synthetic substances that have multiple ways of improving our lives. There are five core classifications of these mind-altering beings, each wholly unique. This article will outline what these beings do, what medicines qualify for each category, and the benefits and challenges of each. Consider this a “getting to know you” session with each of the significant psychotropic medicines (and even some lesser-known ones).
Now let’s get psychedelic, shall we?
The Differences Between Psychedelic and Psychotropic Medicines
The words “psychedelic” and “psychotropic” are often used interchangeably, but they have slightly different definitions. The key to remember is that while all psychedelics are psychotropic, not all psychotropics are psychedelic!
A psychotropic is a general category that describes anything that alters consciousness. Obviously, all psychedelics are included here, but so are medicines like Sacred Tobacco. While he doesn’t elicit strong visuals, a big dose of tobacco tea or rapéh can positively flatten a lucky recipient, so he is most certainly psychotropic. Kambo is another psychotropic medicine that isn’t a traditional psychedelic but has a powerful altering effect on the body. Plants like Mugwort and Blue Lotus (real name Blue Water Lily) blast open the dream space and are therefore psychotropic. Even potent nervines like Valerian and Kava Kava can accurately be called psychotropic. So can stimulants like Coffee, Green Tea, and divine Coca. Even alcohol and SSRIs qualify, which is why it’s essential to make our choice of words clear.
The Definition of a Classic Psychedelic
One of the things that truly define psychedelic substances is that they alter consciousness in a way that can produce wildly vivid and sometimes very realistic visions. Psychedelics tap us into all of our “clairs.” Clairvoyance (the ability to see beyond the tangible world) is just one of the potential ways they open us up to the world of consciousness. But those wild and wonderful visions are a signature of a psychedelic portal. In general, psychedelics are substances that completely alter our baseline reality.
One of my favorite alternative terms for psychedelics is “entheogen.” This word refers to organic medicines that create mystical/spiritual experiences as it loosely translates as “to bring inspiration into being.” This perfectly defines medicines like Ayahuasca, Huachuma, Peyote, and Magic Mushrooms. They are gifts from nature to help us remember our divinity and connection to source.
Special notes: You’ll see I reference all organic medicines with pronouns to emphasize that these are sentient, highly conscious, and spiritual beings that are not objects but living spirits. Synthetics have consciousness, too (everything does, of course!) but not in the same sentient way.
Many substances are NOT listed here as they have yet to be proven as medicinal or healing (heroin, PCP, meth, etc.) I have only included medicines that have substantial healing properties below.
Below are the five main classifications for psychedelic medicines and a list of the most well-known substances for each:
Psychedelics
Psychedelics access the 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C receptors, which are tied to serotonin and dopamine neurotransmitters. These substances change how we see the world by inducing a non-ordinary state of consciousness. For example, psychedelics can trigger an effect called synesthesia, which fuses senses so that we can taste colors or hear visions. Psychedelics also typically create visions and the capacity to morph/change our physical surroundings. Almost everything on this list is a psychedelic, and even those in other categories start out as a psychedelic in smaller doses.
Cannabis/Ganja (organic with synthetic analogues)
In low doses, Cannabis and her main alkaloid, THC, activate the endocannabinoid receptors, which work with serotonin and target thought processes, hunger, emotions, arousal, and more.
In high doses, she can absolutely be psychedelic.
She is the mistress of darkness; she can take our pain, suppress our sadness, and send us into a deliciously deep sleep. But she is highly, highly sensitive to intentions. Ironically, she’s the medicine most used in our culture recreationally, without intention-setting.
Ganja is sticky, patient, and mysterious. She is challenging because she responds to our subconscious intentions and can numb us out and cause us to disconnect if we disrespect her by using her for escape.
She is a master healer; however, she can take away our pain, helps to alchemize dozens of different disorders, helps us sleep, and soothe our anxieties.
DMT/Dimethyltryptamine (organic in many different plants + animals, but can also be chemically extracted and synthetically produced)
DMT exists naturally in the human brain and regulates our default mode network, the scientific name for our egos and sense of self.
DMT is also primarily responsible for inducing dreams when we sleep. It is released when we die, and some view this as the physical manifestation of our souls.
Animals, insects, plants, and even sea sponges have natural DMT. There are two main types:
N,N DMT – the most common form found in plants such as Chacruna, Chaliponga, Acacia, Mimosa, Yopo, Jurema, Epeña (Nutmeg), Velvet Bean (Mucuna), and can also be found in animals and humans.
5MEO-DMT – a more potent variety found in some plants and animals, such as Bufo (a toad) and Vilka (a plant)
Synthetic versions of DMT also exist (both chemical extractions from plants and “designer drugs” that are purely lab-created)
Taking DMT without a plant-based MAOI like Ayahuasca or Syrian Rue is like flying an airplane without a pilot; there is no organic consciousness, and it can be very traumatic for people if they have the full experience in an unsafe or unguided container.
Magic Mushrooms/Psilocybin Mushrooms (organic and synthetically produced)
There are hundreds of species of psilocybin-containing mushrooms
These entities work similarly to DMT, but their personalities are very different.
Mushrooms exude a tribal energy; they are the only entheogen we refer to in the plural. Their personalities are mischievous, immensely playful, and very elemental (like forest gnomes!)
Mushrooms are master alchemists; they take what is dead on the forest floor and give it life again. They can do the same for our emotions and our souls.
Mushies can be challenging as they speak the language of the subconscious, so their messages are not typically clear. They also can be bloody intense!
Ayahuasca (organic)
Ayahuasca is a brew containing the Banisteriopsis caapi vine, a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), and a plant containing DMT (normally Chacruna or Chaliponga).
The MAOI prevents DMT's digestive breakdown, allowing for the psychedelic/out-of-body experience. Without Ayahuasca, we would simply expel the DMT; it would not break the blood/brain barrier.
Because Ayahuasca contains an MAOI, anyone taking SSRIs or MAOIs cannot participate in a ceremony as you will be susceptible to serotonin syndrome, a potentially deadly consequence of mixing these two substances.
Be wary of synthetically-produced MAOI and DMT compounds, or “pharmahuasca.” Labs are just using her name recognition. This combination is purely synthetic and contains no millennia-old traditions and knowledge.
Ayahuasca’s superpowers lie in her snake-like ability to remove blockages, which creates massive spaciousness inside us for wisdom and insights. She has proven to help rewire neural pathways and is incredibly healing for the body, mind, and spirit.
Mama Aya is one of the toughest medicines to work with, however. She is anything but comfortable. She’s a shadow illuminator and edge/button pusher. If you have a box inside of you that says “Don’t look here,” she will go there with gleeful aplomb!
LSD – Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (synthetic)
Albert Hofman, a chemist at a Swiss drug company, synthesized LSD in 1938, seeking a chemical to stimulate the respiratory and circulatory systems. Midwives had known for generations that ergot fungus from the rye plants, in moderation, staunches bleeding after childbirth, and Hofman was trying to determine how.
When the compound did not work for this purpose, it was shelved for five years until an inexplicable urge to take it off the shelf and revisit it came over Hofman. He took what he thought was a micro-dose, but it turns out it was the equivalent of about ten contemporary tabs.
LSD was used in many post-war psychiatric and military studies until the Federal government shelved all studies in 1971. It is only now that these studies, like ones with LSD, are being dusted off and revisited.
Salvia divinorum (organic)
This member of the Mint family, natural to Mexico and Central America, is one of the most powerful naturally occurring psychoactive substances. While short-lasting, it creates similar effects to DMT, such as alien travel, connection with entities, etc.
Salvia creates an experience that is typically less introspective and more chaotic, confusing, and frightening than Ayahuasca and Magic Mushrooms. By targeting kappa-opioid receptors, the trip feels more mental and less emotional – she numbs us rather than enhances the feeling space.
Shamans say she’s challenging because the spirit of Salvia does not like to interact with humans, possibly because of rampant abuse.
Some sacred ceremonies are happening with Salvia – and a new film about her has just been released that shows an entirely different spiritual relationship.
LSA – Lysergic Acid Amide (organic)
LSA is very similar in structure to LSD but is much milder in effects, creating moderate visions and deep introspection.
LSA is mainly found in Morning Glory and Hawaiian Baby Woodrose seeds.
LSA helps with dream work, depression, connection to the heart/source, and positive feelings.
Large quantities are very toxic, so one must be very skilled and informed to avoid complications.
Iboga/Ibogaine (organic or chemically extracted)
Iboga is a West African shrub whose roots contain a highly psychoactive substance. Like Salvia, he targets kappa-opioid receptors, which equates to more thought-provoking and less emotional effects.
Iboga is the natural form. Ibogaine is a key alkaloid in Iboga, when extracted and concentrated, can help reset an opiate addict’s neurochemistry back to a pre-addicted state by repairing and regrowing new neural circuits in the brain. Ibogaine exclusively treats serious addictions like opiates, meth, cocaine, and alcohol. He does not work for benzodiazepines and is not recommended solely for tobacco due to the inherent dangers.
Iboga is used for psycho-spiritual work to reconnect with divine masculine empowerment and mental clarity/insight into the source of such intense addictions.
While the healing properties are unparalleled, Ibogaine, in particular, is quite dangerous and can cause cardiac arrest. It is critical to work with professionals in a safe setting such as at one of recommended clinics, Clear Sky Ibogaine.
Changa (organic)
Changa is a smokeable mixture containing DMT from an herb (Mimosa, Chacruna, Chaliponga, Acacia, Mucuna, etc.) and Baniseriopsis Caapi, which contains a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAO-I).
Unlike Ayahuasca, Changa is smoked to achieve psychedelic effects, consumed in a brew. Smoking Changa means the effects wear off much quicker, despite following the same principle of combining an MAOI with DMT.
Amanita Muscaria (organic)
These red mushrooms are the ones we commonly see in Super Mario Brothers video games. They are indigenous to Mongolia and Northern Asia.
Considered highly unpredictable and psychoactive, they can induce vomiting, blood pressure fluctuations, sweating, etc., and are not commonly used due to their toxicity and mystery.
These magical beings are absolutely brimming with lore and mystery; they have incredible healing, alchemical, and mystical qualities but must be approached with extreme caution due to serious side effects and spiritual potency.
Dissociatives
Dissociatives disconnect people from their local realities and typically dissolve a sense of self. These can be extremely difficult at the onset, but we disconnect from emotions once dissociated, and the experience itself is usually not frightening. However, the aftermath can be very traumatizing as these frequently trigger an existential crisis around what is “real” by disconnecting us from our bodies and separating us from our minds. Ketamine and PCP are common examples, but high doses of DMT, Ayahuasca, Salvia, and Iboga/ibogaine can create the same effect.
Ketamine (synthetic)
Ketamine was developed in the 1960s as a painkiller and sedative.
In lower doses, Ketamine is used as an antidepressant. In higher doses, it can be highly stimulating and dissociating. A VERY high dose creates a psychedelic experience called a “k-hole,” which produces deep existential hallucinations and creates a feeling of interdimensional, out-of-body travel.
Ketamine is HIGHLY addictive and recommended only under certain psychological conditions.
Deliriants
Deliriants are the most dangerous substances because they provide visions totally separate from reality. Those who take them cannot tell the difference between real and unreal (which is different from typical psychedelics.) They can cause people to do and say things they have no control over and will likely have no memory of. These have a higher chance of leaving users with long-term or permanent damage, such as memory loss and psychosis. Even those without long-term effects are almost terrifying and very dangerous.
Datura/Toé/Angel’s Trumpet/Brugmansia, Belladonna, Henbane, Mandrake, Fly Agaric (organic)
These are considered “shaman’s plants,” meant only for experienced shamans with specific purposes to understand consciousness and travel to interdimensional realms.
These extremely dangerous - deliriants test our relationship with light and reality. They are never to be used recreationally, in a solo setting, or by anyone without significant shamanic training. The reckless usage of these medicines has caused many deaths.
Empathogens
These substances increase the experience of feeling + emotional openness. They amplify our internal feelings for ourselves, what we feel for others, and nature + the world. MDMA, Huachuma/San Pedro, and Peyote are the classic ones. Ayahuasca (NOT DMT) and psilocybin (in natural form) also sometimes act as empathogens.
MDMA (synthetic)
MDMA was initially developed as an antidepressant. It became illegal in 1985 but has recently experienced a revival and is undergoing clinical studies.
The euphoria it generates, how it presents relationship awareness with self and others, and how it helps with trauma and nervous system regulation are all factors in the path to legalization for therapeutic use.
While it is considered a strong empathogen, it is not a strong psychedelic, if at all.
MDMA can be tough on the body, particularly after a ceremony or recreational use.
San Pedro/Huachuma/Peyote/Peruvian Torch (organic)
Mescaline-based – these cacti have different personalities, but all are divinely masculine and work to process emotions and connect the heart.
They are similar to MDMA in that they activate serotonin receptors and target dopamine receptors.
They generate more empathic feelings and are less intensely visual than other psychedelics.
These are starting to have a remarkable renaissance, as the world needs more heart medicine!
Kanna (organic)
Mildly psychedelic and a euphoric succulent starting to gain popularity with ceremonial use.
She is a soft, sweetly feminine, and beautifully healing heart-connector. Kanna does not induce wild visions or a strong psychedelic experience but is a fantastic alternative altered space for those who desire a gentler experience.
Oneirogens
This word translates to “to generate dreams” because they stimulate dreaming and enhance lucid dreaming. They typically have little to no effect on the waking mind, but when we slip into slumber, they enliven the subconscious into a more hyperactive dream state.
Examples include Blue Lotus/Water Lily, Damiana, Amanita Muscaria, Mugwort, Iboga (also a psychedelic), and Valerian.
These medicines are wonderful for those desiring a deeper connection to lucid dreaming.
Because dream spaces are difficult to interpret, they are only challenging because they can bring subconscious energies that may be hard to understand, integrate, and/or process to the surface.
Psychotropic Medicines that Are Not Psychedelic
These medicines alter consciousness in potent ways but do not produce visions.
Sacred Tobacco / Mapacho / Rapéh (organic)
Tobacco is not typically classified as a psychedelic, but he is increasingly common as a sacrament and is psychotropic in high doses.
His potency depends on the source (jungle vs. cultivated), the dosage, and the delivery method.
The plant spirit of Tobacco is known as Grandfather Earth; he is profoundly connected to the consciousness of Mother Earth. He is a bridge builder between the tangible and intangible worlds.
Rapeh (sacred snuff), Ambil (paste), and Sacred Smoke are examples of using Sacred Tobacco to calm the mind, lower blood pressure, and regulate the nervous system.
He is also becoming a widespread tool for meditation and is used in conjunction with ceremony work.
Tobacco’s challenges are much more widely known than his benefits; because he contains nicotine, he can become physically addictive and is very toxic in high dosages. Those who create a dependent relationship on Tobacco can experience addiction, illness, or even death.
Tobacco is highly responsive to intention. He is absolutely magical when we work with him for healing, connection, and spiritual communication in a respectful and reverent container. However, when we abuse him or use him to escape, he is fierce in his reflection.
Kambo (organic)
Kambo is made from the secretion of the Giant Monkey Frog, which has no known predators and does not know the vibration of fear.
Not a psychedelic, but Kambo is very psychoactive. He has a potent fire energy master healer that creates intense heat energy and deep purging.
Kambo is never used recreationally but for physical cleansing rather than getting “high.”
Many physical and mental disorders do not mix well with Kambo, so working with a trained practitioner is essential to physical safety.
His medicine is incredibly healing; he can help with pain relief, inflammation, various stomach and organ diseases and blockages, lymphatic sluggishness, and so much more. He also clears “panema” - heavy energy, depression, sadness, stagnation, and other energetic blockages.
Coca (organic)
Indigenous people who work with her in a sacred way believe that when Coca is in our mouth, we cannot tell a lie.
She connects the heart and throat chakras; she is generous, uplifting, playful, and exceedingly kind.
She helps with altitude sickness and is a very nutritious superfood.
Like many victims of industrialization, her many alkaloids can become cocaine, but it must be chemically extracted and manipulated to produce – it’s akin to her being raped.
Like Sacred Tobacco, she can become physically addictive, so she demands that we work with her respectfully and with clear intentions.
She is sadly illegal even in her raw plant form, so working with her outside of South America is next to impossible due to legalities and regulations.
We hope this information helps to guide you with more awareness and insight on your journey with sacred medicines. Please always, always consult trained shamanic and medicinal experts + honor local laws and regulations. Safety is imperative with this work! And don’t forget to give back to the plants through reciprocity and a commitment to making our world a better place. Much love and happy journeying!
About the Author
Tina “Kat” Courtney, The AfterLife Coach, is a traditionally trained Ayahuasquera + Huachumera and a vocal advocate for all sacred Plant Medicines. Kat is the CEO and co-founder of Plant Medicine People, and she works as a coach, ceremony guide, and mentor to people navigating their shadows via altered states of consciousness. She is the author of Plant Medicine Mystery School Vol 1: The Superhero Healing Powers of Psychotropic Plants, as well as a certified Death Doula. She loves the darkness, the Sacred Medicines, and she believes everyone has the right to work with nature for healing and awakening.
